![]() If you want to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security cameras and video doorbells. I make sure features like motion detection or activity zones are enabled (they aren't always turned on by default) to get a complete sense of what it's like to use the product - and to see how well the device actually works as a replacement to a regular, nonsmart doorbell. ![]() As soon as it's connected and I'm able to view the live video feed, I check the settings. ![]() Make sure the doorbell is installed based on the manufacturer's specifications - either hardwired doorbell or battery- or solar-powered. It's your one-stop shop for taking your doorbell setup from start to finish. A good app includes detailed steps on the installation process, as well as how to connect to your Wi-Fi network and actually get the smart device up and running. While a lot of products include tutorial booklets in the box with your purchase, I prefer to start with the app. First I download the corresponding app and create an account (if I don't already have one). Testing to determine the best video doorbell is similar to testing any other home security camera. Read our Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 review. Ring's optional end-to-end encryption setting is good to have here if you're privacy-conscious - turning it on will break some of Ring's features, but it'll also block Ring or any other third parties from accessing your footage at all. The company has a long history of extensive partnerships with police organizations, and it complies with warrantless police requests for user footage during rare emergency situations, which you can read more about here. If you're looking for solid performance and top-of-the-line features, the Ring Pro 2 is a solid bet, but you'll want to familiarize yourself with Ring's policies regarding law enforcement before buying in. Beyond that, the Ring Pro 2 offers end-to-end video encryption. What makes the Pro 2 stand out is its radar sensing and bird's-eye-view mode, which lets you track the movement of an interloper around your yard, to give a clear sense of their route and general activity. The Pro 2 has a superwide field of view, a 1:1 aspect ratio, 1536p resolution and all the basics you'd want your smart buzzer to have. The Ring Pro 2, with its $310 price tag, isn't the best value on the market, but if you're more worried about features than a cost-benefit analysis, this device won't steer you wrong. Other companies, including Arlo and Wyze, refuse to share footage without a warrant or subpoena compelling them to do so, while video processed via Apple's HomeKit Secure Video uses end-to-end encryption, which blocks Apple or any other third parties from accessing it at all. Privacy-minded consumers will want to take note that Google complies with warrantless requests for footage during rare emergency situations, which you can read more about here. A nice bonus? The Nest Doorbell (battery) also works well with Google Assistant-powered devices like the Nest Hub. While these features won't match the ones you get with a subscription - with Nest Aware or another service, like Ring's or Arlo's - they're a solid place to start if you're hoping to just try out a video doorbell for the first time. Easy setup, plus free, out-of-the-box smarts, including package, person, vehicle and animal alerts and three hours of event storage go a long way to earning the device an 8 out of 10 score in our review. The newest Google Nest doorbell typically costs $180, though sometimes it's discounted, and it's a breeze to set up, whether you've got doorbell wiring or not. So if you're looking for the best doorbell camera, chances are it's among those we've tested. I've also offered a few general pointers on finding the best security camera device for you. If you're not sure where to begin in your search for a smart video doorbell, I've rounded up my favorite models below. Some also have features that may give you pause on ethical grounds. We've tested the best ones on the market and compiled them in a list below.īut not all video doorbell cameras are created equal - design, installation cost, video quality and video storage subscriptions for each doorbell cam can vary immensely. The best video doorbell cameras have become more affordable, easier to install and significantly smarter, too. And those porch pirates stealing packages? Now you've got proof. Being able to see who's at the door is all about safety, especially if you happen to catch someone trying to break into your home. A video doorbell is a must these days, not only if you do a lot of online shopping and food delivery.
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